Zoo Announces Lion's Move - Who's To Blame For This Outcome?

The post I published yesterday was already written before the Zoo's announcement.  I had been up thirty-seven hours the day before, so I was still catching up on sleep.  I took a nap before doing the proof read.  Not long after I woke-up, someone sent me a message about the Zoo's post, noting that it went up ten minutes prior.  I felt despite the outcome, the information I wrote in my post was necessary to document.  I quickly read through it and published.  I knew I would have a follow-up after reading the announcement.  Knowing a transfer deal had been made, tears started streaming.  This is so wrong.  This didn't have to happen.  This doesn't have to happen.

As I start to write this, I've been up for two hours.  I still haven't read the Zoo's post.  Details aren't going to change anything.  Knowing Jasiri and Lulu's move is set, made me physically ill.  As soon as I knew, I already had thoughts for this post, without reading any more of their spin on the situation.  I'm sad, I'm frustrated, but most of all, I'm angry.  As the anxiety set in, I decided to try not to think about it until morning.  So as daylight crept in, I allowed all those thoughts to follow.   

The things I want to say are all rooted in blame.  The list is long, but the most common thread is, No One Cared, and sadly, apparently, Still No One Cares.  

THAT is the root of Why Our Lions are leaving.

While blame certainly needs documenting, there is one thing that is in this moment in time, is the only factor that matters.  

The recent $100 Million donation to the RecPark, is a game changer.  Make no mistake about that.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department can fix this.  My post (linked at end) dated September 26 suggested the City invest in Our Zoo, in THEIR Zoo, in Their Animals.  At the time, the obstacle beyond asking the City to take responsibility, would have been where the money could come from.  

Now, that obstacle is removed.  And, Still No One Cares.

What I know best about Our Zoo is what happened during the eighteen year reign of former CEO/Director Tanya Peterson.  The extent of her mismanagement is most likely unparalleled. That said, the downward spiral has seemingly been going on since the Zoological Society took over management of the Zoo from the City.  That is not meant to point the finger at the Society exclusively.  Since I have no first hand knowledge of their management efforts, I can't speak to that.  What I can speak to in regards to that initial takeover time and the thirty-three years since that brings us to today, is the fact that the City and it's appointed proxy, the RecPark, have been negligent in not only their duty of oversight, but in support, specifically financially.  

Has the City set Our Zoo up to Fail? ... Absolutely!

When the lease agreement between the City and Society was drawn up in 1993, it was written as such that the Society would not receive Cost of Living Adjustments to their annual management fee of $4 Million.  Outrageous to imagine, but this has seemingly never been challenged.  Was this ignorance on the Society's part, or calculated on the City's part?  Who knows, and who knows why there has never been a renegotiation.  

Even after tech moved into the City and cost if living started it's never ending increase, the City still held to that original agreement of $4 Million, an amount that the Zoo has documented expenses zeroing out back to the City.  How the City thinks even with optimum revenue and fundraising efforts, Our Zoo could, rather can, succeed at being financially independent, upgrade decades of neglected needs, and build new enclosures, is outrageous, and delusional.

Has the ineptness and neglect of the Zoological Society caused the Zoo's financial struggles? ... Absolutely!

Again, I don't know all that happened pre-Peterson, but financial troubles have seemed to plague Our Zoo since the Society takeover.  That said, it's not the takeover itself, it's the people involved.  I also don't know the players of that time, and only a handful of names since.  That's because while the Society was tasked with managing Our Zoo, other than party type gatherings, Board members are seemingly not participatory in actual management duties, instead passing the buck exclusively to the CEOs.   This lack of interest is what created the current situation with Our Lions and Our Chimpanzees, in addition to the overall downward spiral of Our Zoo under the leadership of Peterson.  They blindly deferred to her, and supported her, some even through public scandal.  

The Society is supposed to be a Fundraising entity, yet I have not seen any major fundraising in eighteen years.  Their annual ZooFest does not count. Also Board member vanity projects like Madagascar, do not count.  I'm talking about specific large project efforts.  Under their faux management, after using City bond funds meant in part for our senior Chimpanzees, for other projects, they allowed them to continue to live in an outdated enclosure, that consisted of tiny concrete islands.  Not only showing a lack of empathy, it eventually made them at risk for being transferred from Our Zoo eleven years ago.  Then they allowed the acquisition of Orangutans without any enclosure for them to live in.  They allowed them to cruelly have their only outside space exclusively be in the caged tube skytrails for eight months, then put them in the Chimps old enclosure two years later, where they still remain.  

I use the Chimps and Orangutans plights as the one example for this purpose, as it relates to the current situation.  We are losing both Our Lions and Our Chimpanzees, as a direct result of lack of funding.  

There is no doubt Tanya Peterson was the worst thing to ever happen to Our Zoo, but the Society Board is to blame for her mismanagement and their own.

Now, over a year post-Peterson, the Board continues status quo, and they, together with current CEO Cassandra Costello, have made no effort at a targeted fundraiser to Keep Our Lions here.  

Their fundraising efforts are seemingly isolated to acquiring Pandas, which is obviously more important than taking care of the Animals that already live here.

While I understand the financial position Our Zoo is in, both because of lack of investment by the City, and lack of fundraising by Zoo Officials, that doesn't mean everyone should get a pass and chalk it up to general mismanagement. There is blame.  There is negligence.  There is lack of care.  

The needed care by Zoo Officials unfortunately can't change Our Lions future.  That's something they need to acquire for long-term success, specifically so this doesn't happen again.

Care by City Officials right now, can change Our Lions future.

They have $61 Million left unattached of the $100 Million donation, for use within the City's Park Dept.  Will the Recreation and Park Officials recognize Our Zoo's desperate needs, or let their own facility lose two beloved anchor species?

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Previous Post:

*ATTN RecPark Officials - You Need To Better Understand Why Our Lions Are Leaving

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/11/attn-recpark-officials-you-need-to.html

Related Posts:

*$100 Million Donation To SF Parks - Will Our Zoo See Any For Our Lions & Chimps?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/11/100-million-donation-to-sf-parks-will.html

*Should The City Feel Some Obligation To Invest In Our Zoo? ...Invest In Our Lions?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/should-city-feel-some-obligation-to.html

*If The Zoo Had The Funds Pt One - Why Can't Our Lions & Chimpanzees Stay Here?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/if-zoo-had-funds-pt-one-why-cant-our.html

*All My Posts Regarding The Zoo Seeking To Rehome Our Lions & Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/all-my-posts-regarding-zoo-seeking-to.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

ATTN RecPark Officials - You Need To Better Understand Why Our Lions Are Leaving

I do not think the RecPark Commissioners, General Manager Sarah Madland, or other City Officials, including the Mayor and Supervisors, clearly understand, Why Our Lions are leaving.

For that reason, as I will be sending this to all, I need to document some things about the Zoo's reasoning for "pausing it's African Lion program".  

That said, let's be completely frank about the situation.  If Our Zoo does not get a huge chunk of that donation that will provide for Keeping Our Lions and Chimpanzees, that will be complete negligence and irresponsible Bullshit.

As I've written before it is seemingly highly unlikely that despite all efforts to become independently financially stable, and sustain that, Our Zoo will not be able to do anything much more than keep the doors open and Animals fed.  

In my opinion, it is completely outrageous for City Officials to think that can happen without a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to increase to the Management Fee, and a generous investment from the City in this facility that is San Francisco owned.

Thankful to City Officials for the Loan, but without a COLA, it will seemingly be a stretch of any funds raised by the Zoo's current (and still new-ish) leadership's effort, to repay that Loan, and certainly not any level of funds that are not only desperately needed to keep Our Zoo from losing two anchor species (Lions and Chimpanzees), but continue to make upgrades, or provide for any future builds to bring back species beloved by Our Zoo going public.

It is immediately necessary that funding become available for a new enclosure for Our Lions, the renovation of an existing enclosure as an interim home for Our Chimpanzees, and the raze and rebuild on the site of Triple Grotto of a future home for Our Chimpanzees.  

Zoo Officials have expressed the return of Lions (Big Cats) and Chimpanzees, but with no timeline.  That is likely because, there is no time in any foreseeable future that could financially happen.  Seeing any Big Cat or Chimpanzee again at Our Zoo once the ones we are already endeared to leave, is pure fantasy.  I'd be surprised if that could happen in the next dozen years.

RecPark and City Officials lack of knowledge.

The lack or asking the right questions, and lack of interest to visit the Zoo and see the situation for themselves, leaves these entities who have the power, and now funds to help, with a blind understanding of exactly Why Our Lions are leaving.

The other day I looked at the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes for the first time in what I thought was just a few months, but turned out to be five months.  I went looking for something, but I don't remember what, because what I found in the most recent document was a very upsetting notation.    More on that in another post, but so not to leave you wondering, it has to do with Gorilla brothers that were born at Our Zoo, and where they are now.

I ended up reading back through those five months.  In the June 2026 Minutes these words by CEO Cassandra Costello are documented...

She announced that SF zoo was pausing its African lion program as a suitable home is found for its aging lions.  Jasiri was born with a spinal condition that will impair his mobility as he ages.  SF Zoo staff has worked diligently with veterinary and carnivore staff to assess the Lions care and decided that what is best for their well-being is to move them together to a more suitable permanent home.  Ms Costello ran through the difficulties of keeping the Lions at SF Zoo noting that in order to modify their exhibit they would need to be relocated, regardless.

Keep those last two words, "relocated, regardless", in mind as I proceed.  They are key to this whole illusion that has been presented.

Also included were...

Committee comments SF rec and park commissioner and joint zoo committee member Meredith Williams asked if the lion information would be provided at the rec and park commission meeting 

Public comment member of the public Susan Parano asked about other possible updates to a joining habitat and modifications to the existing exhibit 

There were 3 other public comments regarding the Lions.

Obviously RecPark Officials and the public do not understand the situation

After reading Commissioner Williams comment, I watched the Full Commission Meeting video.  This was included...

In my opinion, this reasoning does not accurately present all factors of the situation.  

Although I am glad they finally said they have no funding for a new enclosure, instead of the curious previous use of the word feasible in their press release.

I am not denying that Jasiri has a medical predisposition that could impact his mobility to maneuver the existing surface of the yard.

There are factors that have not been presented by leadership, the main one being, Our Lions home is earmarked for Pandas. That is the bottom line.  That is Why they would have to be "relocated, regardless".   That and ONLY that.

If the Lion House and the attached Big Cat Yards were not being reserved for Pandas, Our Lions would not be leaving.  Additionally, one yard would have not been left vacant for near five years.  

In my opinion, the true order of this issue is... Pandas, Funds, and Jasiri's Future Needs.

If you eliminate the Panda take-over factor, the existing enclosure with modifications, could see the Lions through their lifetime.  Other aging Big Cats with mobility issue have lived out their lives in those enclosures.

If the City invested right now by immediately (and initially) funding a new enclosure for Our Lions, it would be built by the time any severe mobility issues presented.

I have previously suggested that the City should take responsibility for these specific needs, by investing in Our Zoo, and the Animals that live there who are currently vulnerable to leaving because of lack of funding.

Since then, the City's RecPark Dept has been given this $100 Million donation, that has been reported to have $61 Million of unattached funds waiting to be dispersed.  

There is absolutely no reason Why money can't at minimum, pay for a new enclosure to Keep Our Lions here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Previous Post:

*$100 Million Donation To SF Parks - Will Our Zoo See Any For Our Lions & Chimps?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/11/100-million-donation-to-sf-parks-will.html

Related Posts:

*Should The City Feel Some Obligation To Invest In Our Zoo? ...Invest In Our Lions?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/should-city-feel-some-obligation-to.html

*If The Zoo Had The Funds Pt One - Why Can't Our Lions & Chimpanzees Stay Here?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/if-zoo-had-funds-pt-one-why-cant-our.html

*All My Posts Regarding The Zoo Seeking To Rehome Our Lions & Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/all-my-posts-regarding-zoo-seeking-to.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

  

$100 Million Donation To SF Parks - Will Our Zoo See Any For Our Lions & Chimps?

Well, well.  Lots 'O Money has dropped in the hands of the Recreation and Park Department, will Our Zoo finally be recognized as part of that department and benefit?

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/airbnb-ceo-donation-parks-lurie-22516918.php?

I certainly didn't have writing a blog post on tonight's agenda, but this is what happens when I go against my own rules for maintaining peace, and look at email after dark.

Excerpts from the article, highlighted below.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is committing the funds, which will be delivered in two phases, the city announced Monday. The first $39 million will help San Francisco finish five park projects in the South of Market, Bayview-Hunters Point, the Mission, Potrero Hill and downtown. City parks officials will spend a year figuring out how to best use the remaining $61 million from Chesky.

Ahhh, Park Officials need to hand over $20 Million to Our Zoo for two desperate projects that they are well aware of, so Our Lions and Chimpanzees don't have to leave.

Chesky told the Chronicle he felt compelled to give back because of the success of Airbnb, which he helped create in San Francisco nearly two decades ago. The short-term rental company is now worth more than $100 billion; Chesky is worth about $13 billion, according to Forbes.

“A lot of my success I feel like I could attribute to the magic that is San Francisco — the community, the incredible people here,” Chesky said. “I love this city and I, for a long time, have wanted to give back, and it was really a matter of how to give back.”

Bravo to this guy.  Time will tell if I'll give RecPark a Bravo.

Chesky, who is part of a business leaders’ council that consults with Lurie on economic issues, said he had worked with the mayor’s team for a few weeks to figure out the best way to deploy the funds. He said he was drawn to the idea of giving money to parks because they are “accessible to everyone” and the impact of the funding will be visible “very quickly.” Lurie’s administration chose the projects that will benefit from the first wave of funds.

Of course the Mayor had no care for Our Zoo.  But, that Embarcadero project is getting a huge slice of the pie.

“This is a game-changing investment in San Francisco’s parks and people,” Sarah Madland, general manager of the city parks department, said in a statement. “It means long-awaited park projects move forward, more spaces for children and families to play, and stronger, more connected neighborhoods.”

Doesn't sound like the new-ish GM gives a crap about Our Zoo either.

Chesky, for his part, said he would “love to be more involved in San Francisco” going forward.

“I don’t have an immediate plan beyond this, but I absolutely would love to continue to help the city,” he said. “This is a first step … and I want to learn from it. And based on what I learn, that will probably guide what I do next.”

Hello Mr Chesky,

Let me introduce you to Jasiri, Lulu, Qadeer and Nick.  For the first time in it's history, Our San Francisco Zoo, will be without Lions and Chimpanzees.  Two anchor species are set to be rehomed, because there is no funding to build them new homes at Our Zoo.  Our Zoo has suffered financially, due to previous mismanagement, and lack of Cost of Living increases to it's management fee from The City, for thirty-three years. New Leadership seems to be trying to gain financial stability, but it will take more to keep these beloved species.

At first glance, there is seemingly no contact info for this guy, but if there was, I'd be on it.  

That said...  Is Zoo CEO Cassandra Costello?

She should be, because it's highly doubtful Mayor Lurie or RecPark Officials will share any of this donation with Our Zoo.

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Related Posts:

*Should The City Feel Some Obligation To Invest In Our Zoo? ...Invest In Our Lions?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/should-city-feel-some-obligation-to.html

*If The Zoo Had The Funds Pt One - Why Can't Our Lions & Chimpanzees Stay Here?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/if-zoo-had-funds-pt-one-why-cant-our.html

*All My Posts Regarding The Zoo Seeking To Rehome Our Lions & Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/all-my-posts-regarding-zoo-seeking-to.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

The Darkness, Daylight, Disappointment and Disinterest

Good Morning Sunshine!  Unfortunately you will not reach your full potential today, as we have now entered the season of Darkness and Drear.

I will miss you Daylight Saving Time.  Counting the days til your return in four months.   Maybe 2027 will be the year Congress Saves The Daylight.  Till then we are stuck with shorter days at the hands of the illogic.

So yeah, the most dreaded day of the year for me, fell on one of the coolest.  I probably hate this time of year more than anyone.  I've been cursing Standard Time as long as I can remember, at least since the 90s.  I feel like this issue has been a lifetime crankiness.  I remember finally writing an email to then California Governor Gray Davis.  He basically said, blame it on Ben Franklin.  He apparently didn't know it's origins, as Franklin's connection has been documented to be a myth.

Adding to the drain of having daylight hours stolen, one of my main drains of the time change is mass ignorance of those who don't know the difference between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time.  There is some blame to be put on media as they rarely mention Standard Time, instead using end of or start of, Daylight Saving Time.  Still there is no excuse, especially for those who say stupid shit like, "I hate when it gets dark early, we need to end Daylight Saving Time".  

So, now that you all know my disdain for The Darkness, and those who don't get it, here's why I've put you through that.

Thursday's Zoo email newsletter, noted their "Daylight Savings Time" Winter hours change.

Irritation in one sentence.  It's Saving, not Savings, and Standard Time is during Winter.  Come on people.  Daylight Saving Time ends November 1, and Standard Time starts.  And just to help you out, Daylight Saving Time Spring hours will start on March 14.

In May 2023 I wrote a blog post after Oakland Zoo announced their Members Hour.  Included is the history of how Our Zoo adopted Winter hours during Standard Time.

> It has been my longtime idea that the SFZoo permanently change the hours to 10-4, with 9-10 designated as Members Hour.  By changing closing time to 4, there doesn't have to be seasonal hours, and it allows for evening events during Daylight Saving Time.  Not only does this benefit Members, it creates many different opportunities for extra influx of money.

One of the things that was my suggestion back in 2009, before Director Peterson branded me as Zoo Enemy Number One,  was changing to winter hours.  After our Grizzly Bear incident, which for those who don't know, was when a visitor trespassed into our Grizzly Girls home and almost got them killed.  Allegedly the target team had rifles pointed at them ready to shoot.

I was horrified at this event, as just two years prior, we lost Tatiana (Tiger) because of jerk visitors who were allowed to roam the Zoo as daylight was fading.  I immediately sent an email to Director Peterson, and said, "Are you waiting for another Tiger event?"  Why is the Zoo open during the winter when it gets dark early?  The Zoo should close early.  To my surprise, but also relief, at the next Joint Zoo Meeting, Peterson adopted the idea as her own, and asked the committee to approve winter hours.

The Tiger tragedy was Christmas Day.  The Grizzly event in late November.  How is it immediately after that Christmas Day, the hours weren't changed?   Tanya Peterson was touted in media as the Zoo's "savior" when she became Director in early January 2008, just weeks after the Rec and Park scapegoated the previous Director for the Tiger tragedy.  Why didn't she identify the hours thing as an issue?  Why did a Member of the Public have to point it out? <

Three years later, I still think changing the hours to 9-4 would be a good move.  It would create set year round hours, allow for a Members perk, and most important make sure the Zoo is cleared out before dark.

After starting this post in the wee hours of Friday morning just after reading the Zoo's email.  I searched my Facebook posts for an old quote to use here and this photo I took of Our Precious Tallulah came up.  I smiled and said, Hi T!  For the first time, I think I noticed the magazine's cover text, "The End Of Light,...Darkness".  While the complete actual title does not refer to my irk about Daylight Saving Time, I thought the words that were peeking out around Tallulah's grip were a bit serendipitous, and Miss T looks adorable.

Moving on from the state of light, the two other posts I have in draft this weekend deal with my Disappointment and Disinterest.  My continued disappointment in City Officials lack of care and interest in Our Zoo, and my increasing disinterest in researching, reading and posting about stuff I can't change.  

As I looked at those two draft posts, the one about financials morphed.  Where I had several ChatGPT tabs of previous query results to read, synopsize, and share, a handful more presented.  Some had sent me a message that the Zoo had finally hired a new Chief Financial Officer.  Unexpectedly, that non-consequential bit of info immediately set-off a series of new questions, meaning more answers, more information, more reading.  Again, reading about something I can't do anything about, except document, is not how I want to spend my time.  I think I've spent enough of my life (sixteen years), and energy doing that.

I still have the craving for the knowledge, but I'm quickly overwhelmed by the many questions that come to mind and that then prompt the abundance of reading produced.  It causes anxiety and takes up needed space in an already full mind.  That all said, I'm not sure I'm going to read any of this information.  It's unnecessary in the grand scheme of my ability for change at Our Zoo.  Even though I want to know, at this point, after all these years of knowing (and possibly too much), I think I know enough.  Unless it's about the status and future secure residency of Our Lions and Chimpanzees, at this moment, I think I've near had my fill.  

If Zoo Leadership is truly interested in change, they need to get to seeking it.  Our Zoo depends on it.  And, it's not up to me to point this out to them.  They either know it and will act on it for the current betterment of Our Zoo, and it's thriving to reach future potential, or they won't seek the knowledge and ambition to.  It's all rooted in care.  Time will tell.  Unfortunately, time will run out if they don't act soon.

At the start of this post I intended to talk about the four words in my title.  Now, I think the disinterest that I've just finished noting, may need a bit of expanding on, and the disappointment, deserves it's own post.  Any mention of it this low in documentation, in my opinion, would not serve the importance of the words.

I'll endeavor two more posts today, but I may not get that far.  

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

> Hot Topic Posts:  

*Should The City Feel Some Obligation To Invest In Our Zoo? ...Invest In Our Lions?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/should-city-feel-some-obligation-to.html

*If The Zoo Had The Funds Pt One - Why Can't Our Lions & Chimpanzees Stay Here?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/if-zoo-had-funds-pt-one-why-cant-our.html

*All My Posts Regarding The Zoo Seeking To Rehome Our Lions & Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/all-my-posts-regarding-zoo-seeking-to.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

Links To Financials For California Academy Of Sciences and SF Botanical Garden

In my previous post, I noted that I had made some inquiries and got some responses regarding the $9 Million in funding that the Academy receives from the City.  I also noted that I had started a deep dive via ChatGPT, that generated more information than I had the energy to read through at that time.  I still have not read through any of it.  I planned to do so and post this coming weekend.  

This evening I received the following comment to that post:

Comment from Anonymous - I am interested in the inquiries you sent and the responses you received in turn regarding the Academy of Science's funding from the city!

In light of that, I'm posting the correspondence and links, for those who are interested, because honestly, who knows if I'll meet my goal this weekend.  So, thank you to Anonymous for asking.  At least now part of the info is up and documented. Again, I haven't read the info at these links, so I don't know if there will be any Academy info pertaining to what is seemingly related to the issue of slighted funding to Our Zoo.

To stay in chronological order, and provide the full educational thread, below are two of the email responses.  

I first inquired about the Botanical Garden.  I had learned many years ago that the Garden is independently managed, but it wasn't until I saw that extensive perimeter fence go up, while the Zoo's was crumbling did I think to find out the agreement specifics.  Of course I procrastinated, and years later, when I read about the $9 Million in City funding to the Academy, I finally inquired about both.  

First is the inquiry regarding the Botanical Garden.  After the information provided in the response, it appears there is no relevance to the Zoo issue.  That said, that is regarding funding.  I still think the Zoo should have been eligible for the fence project, as the Zoo is City owned.

I email my District Supervisor Connie Chan on occasion about Zoo and Park related issues.  While she is not the Supervisor for the District the Zoo is in, she is for the Park, and is also active in Zoo related issues, as well as having attended events in the past.  

In response to my inquiry, she looped in Beverly Ng, Directer of Policy and Public Affairs for RecPark.

Botanical Garden

Hi Sup. Chan and Kim,

My apologies for the late response. The Botanical Garden Society does not receive a management fee. Instead, the Society is reimbursed each year for approved expenses related to operating the Garden's admissions program, including a portion of staff time. These reimbursements are included in the Department's annual budget and approved each year.

This is very different from the arrangement with the San Francisco Zoo.

At the Zoo, the property is leased to a nonprofit organization that is responsible for operating and maintaining the entire facility. The nonprofit collects all revenue, pays all operating expenses, and the City provides an annual payment to help offset the cost of managing the site.

At the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Recreation and Park Department continues to own, operate, and maintain the Garden. Under the operating agreement, the Botanical Garden Society manages admissions and provides community education programs. The Department collects all admission revenue, reimburses the Society for its approved admissions and education expenses, and uses the remaining revenue to help cover Garden maintenance costs. Any surplus is deposited into the Garden Maintenance Fund, where it is used by the Department to maintain and improve the Garden. 

I hope this is helpful. I've also included a link to the legislation that covers the lease agreement

Many thanks,

Beverly 

Academy Of Sciences

Hello Kim, 

https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15573397&GUID=27F3A487-CD18-4DFD-B90D-B330E00B4D68 

This is the link to California Academy of Sciences budget and here is the budget for the City’s general fund departments: 

https://sfgov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8060298&GUID=BE438692-C8D2-45AF-9B5A-1C8FF488A48E 

--  Connie

 

Previous Post Correction and City Funding Notations & Curiosity

Well it's now 6a, I fell asleep, while editing.  I started this just after midnight when I decided to take a look at a few notes for this post, and maybe attempt a start at it, even though I still need to read through all the research information ChatGPT generated.  First, I glanced at my previous post.

I realized, I didn't adjust my post title to reflect the initial info I read, that noted The City's $18 million contribution was part of the $40 million project budget, not just the Pavilion.  I have added an update to that post stating that, also adding that the Pavilion is not the issue, the $18 million is.  So, the outrage remains valid.

Admittedly, after publishing my previous post, I realized I reacted to the title of that article in error, becoming outraged without even knowing the $40 million funding breakdown yet.  Sure it resulted in a mistake in my post title, and some text, that I would have preferred not to have made, but I don't think the error changes the issue, and I think the mistake is understandable, as once I read a quote from the RecPark, I knew there would be City funding, and through the same department the Zoo is in.  I've been jaded by the constant expenditures the City and RecPark have made for too many years, during which time they have completely ignored Our Zoo.  

For too many years, The City and it's RecPark Dept specifically, have found funds for countless projects, while Our City Owned Zoo's list of Needs grew. Just how long this has been going on, I don't know, but I do know at the very least City Officials have known that the former Chimpanzee enclosure on the Triple Grotto site, that currently houses Orangutans, has been in dire need of rebuilding since at least 2015.  This is a space they have not made any efforts to invest in, and is a focal point in this City owned facility.  I would bet that City funds have been used by the RecPark for far more than $18 million over all these years.

Also of note, this news about the Embarcadero Park is not new.  During my research I saw articles with dates from earlier this year.  I remember that announcement, I just didn't read any of the articles about it.  With my recent attention on the plight of Our Lions and Our Chimpanzees, I'm extra alert when The City/RecPark is noted as funding anything related to recreational spaces.

In addition to my research regarding where the $18 million in City funding for the Embarcadero Park is coming from, I am revisiting an old curiosity.  In June, the SF Standard published an article that stated there would be a freeze on the City's $9 million funding to the California Academy of Science, pending an audit.

At the time I was surprised to hear the Academy was receiving City funding, and especially $9 million, as that would be comparable to what the Zoo's management fee increase would be if they had received Cost of Living increases the last thirty-three years.  I made some initial inquiries as to whether this funding was similar to a management fee, even though the Academy is not City Owned, like Our Zoo is.  So, basically I wanted to know How, What and Why, they were receiving these funds, and Our Zoo was not.

I did get responses, but got overwhelmed and never sorted through them. Then other things came up and to date, I haven't pursued further.  Now, I'm giving it another try.  Along side the open ChatGPT window with the breakdown of the Embarcadero funding, is another open window with the Academy query results, in addition to all the associated links, and the ones from those responses.  I will endeavor to read through them, but I have a feeling I won't get far, because I just don't have the ambition to sort through all that information.  I'm interested in the knowledge, but I really am done with spending so much time on Zoo stuff.  I may just copy and paste generated info, and provide links. Those of you interested can read what appeals to you.  For all of us, this is only informational, not something we can use for any change, and frankly it's the responsibility of Zoo management to take notice of, and seek change in funding they recieve for the betterment of Our Zoo's future.

As I've felt all along, and have an even stronger feeling about now, there is is quite possibly something extremely unjust in all of this.

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Previous Post:

City To Fund $40 Mil Park Structure, But Won't Invest In Our Zoo- Seriously WTF?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/city-to-fund-40-mil-park-structure-but.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

City To Fund $40 Mil Park Structure, But Won't Invest In Our Zoo- Seriously WTF?

Yesterday was my first day IN, complete rest and peace after this weeks peopling.  I still had a few blog posts in draft, but really felt done.  After finally networking my letters to City Officials about investing in Our Zoo, because obviously they can't figure out the logic themselves, I really felt at this point, I had done all I can.   By last night I was deleting all my post drafts and many notepad documents.  I thought I was free.  I was wrong.  The grip of the bullshit is strong.

This morning I open email and there was the Chronicle's daily wrap-up.

The City is willing to pay $40 Million for a Park Structure, but not invest half that in Our Zoo?  In Our Animals?  Unconscionable.  Shameful.  I'd say Unbelievable but honestly it's not surprising.  

Updated Notation:  The allocated $18 million from the City, is part of $40 million budget, not specifically for the pavilion structure.   That said, the pavilion is not the issue, the $18 million is.  The outrage remains valid.

As today's anger sets in, and I saved the text and pix for this post, I started to feel physically ill.  Sick like you want to throw-up, but it's really just the kick of disgust straight to your gut.  As soon as I started writing this, tears began to well up, and now my ears are pulsating.  

By Aidin Vaziri

Oct 16, 2026

San Francisco’s new Embarcadero Park could get a large pavilion designed to serve as both a public passageway and an outdoor performance stage.

The design team is bringing two concepts, including two variations of one concept, to the Civic Design Review Committee on Monday.

The pavilion would sit between the park’s great lawn and its more neighborhood-oriented spaces. San Francisco Recreation and Park Department spokesperson Tamara Barak Aparton described it as about 85 feet long and 40 feet tall. 

The department said the structure is being designed to accommodate performances and gatherings ranging from puppet shows and kindergarten graduations to festivals and concerts.

The options are part of a broader design refinement of the 5-acre park, which will combine Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park across from the Ferry Building.

The presentation shows the great lawn, gardens, a community lawn, picnic areas, a dog play area and a market court, alongside plans for improved entrances and event infrastructure. 

The community review will allow design professionals to weigh in as the plans develop.

Paul Woolford, the design principal for HOK’s San Francisco studio, is scheduled to present Monday afternoon at City Hall.

The park has a projected $40 million budget and is being developed through a public-private partnership. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the park scheduled to open in late 2027 or early 2028.

Of course my plan for making this a well-rounded documentation of this news, beyond just pointing out he moral injustice, would be to research where the public funding is coming from.  

It's amazing how The City, and it's Recreation and Parks Department that has been the tasked Oversight entity of Our Zoo, always finds large dollar funds for projects, that have no bearing on the well-being of actual Living Beings.

Some key points that I've recently documented in regards to the financial responsibility of The City to Our San Francisco Zoo.

*Due to financial desperation, Our Zoo is faced with losing two beloved anchor species, Our Lions and Our Chimpanzees. 

*Both could be saved from eviction with an investment from the City to build them new homes, which would keep them at Our Zoo.

*The City/RecPark has never in thirty-three years provided it's City Owned Zoo with a Cost Of Living increase to the management fee paid to the Zoological Society.  It remains at $4 million annually since 1993, an amount that with increase should be over $9 million by today's calculation.

*After thirty-three years, in May 2026, The City gave a "bailout" Loan to it's City Owned Zoo.  A Loan that is to be repaid, out of the $4 mil fee, that according to the Zoo, zeros out in money paid to the City for various obligations.  

*In relation to providing this loan to their Own Zoo, The City ran the numbers on three scenarios that would affect their financially responsibility in the future... City Managed Zoo ($109 mil), Zoo Closure ($45 mil), and New Non-Profit Operator ($42 mil).  

I would guess both Lion and Chimpanzee enclosures would cost less than half of the lowest scenario figure, which is comparable to the $18 million in City funds reportedly being allocated for this unnecessary pavilion structure.  (Updated: Funds not just for pavilion.)

In my opinion, The City has shown NO interest in wanting to Invest in Our Zoo.  They own the Zoo, and have recognized the financial cost to them if the Zoo does not succeed under the new leadership.

I previously posted this quote from Supervisor Myrna Melgar, "I don’t think we have a choice,”  “People don’t realize these animals and this land belong to The City.  If the Zoo operator no longer exists, it becomes our responsibility to feed the animals three times a day.”

That said, Why then does The City refuse to help Our Zoo thrive?  I'm not talking about a Loan the Zoo may not even be able to repay, I'm talking about an Investment in Our City Owned Zoo's future.  In the very least to keep Our Lions and Our Chimpanzees from leaving.  And right now, I'm talking about fairness in how City funds are dispersed.  

As noted I will research the $18 million in public funding of this disgrace.  I have recently started using ChatGPT to do research, as it can find public based documentation, and sort it specific to what I want to present, in literal seconds. The initial information generated is far more than I want to use mental energy on right now.  Maybe later.  When, I can't predict, but I feel there's a continuation of this, because I'm outraged.

I hope I'm not alone.

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Related Posts:

*Should The City Feel Some Obligation To Invest In Our Zoo? ...Invest In Our Lions?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/09/should-city-feel-some-obligation-to.html

*If The Zoo Had The Funds Pt One - Why Can't Our Lions & Chimpanzees Stay Here?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/if-zoo-had-funds-pt-one-why-cant-our.html

*All My Posts Regarding The Zoo Seeking To Rehome Our Lions & Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/10/all-my-posts-regarding-zoo-seeking-to.html

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions